Washington Township honor veterans during ceremony

The wind blew and the air was sharp, but a blustery November morning couldn’t keep the crowds away from the Franklin G. Atkinson All Veterans Park on Nov. 11, as the township honored the men and women of our armed forces during its annual Veterans’ Day Celebration.

Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Board Bob Timmons led the ceremonies, welcoming the array of township employees, councilmen, organizations and politicians who had a hand in putting the day’s events together.

Pastor Bob Barber of the Gloucester County Community Church opened with a prayer, and Robert Hahn, commander of American Legion 521, led the pledge of allegiance. The men and women in uniform kept their salutes firmly in place while local singer Mike Jones delivered a powerful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Mayor-elect Barbara Wallace welcomed the crowd, reading from her letter included in the program.

“This year, I am honored to offer sincere gratitude to all of our veterans, past and present, home and abroad, who serve in times of war and times of peace,” Wallace said. She then thanked the efforts of local veterans and servicemen organizations.

Wallace closed by urging everyone to “salute the dignified men and women seated near you today and offer your prayers for all of those who continue to fight for us every day.”

Jones then offered another song in honor of the veterans, a cover of Billy Ray Cyrus’ tribute to servicemen and women, “Some Gave All.”

Fire Chief John Hoffman, who was named citizen of the year by the Washington Township Rotary, served as the guest speaker. Hoffman himself is a veteran, but served in times of peace on humanitarian missions. He said that the experiences of the men and women sitting in front of him were astounding.

“I cannot comprehend the anguish and sacrifices,” Hoffman said.

He also brought some numbers to the attention of the crowd — 25 million, for example, represents the number of men and women who have signed what Hoffman called “a blank check to America.”

Another number he brought up was 2.4 million, or the number of lives lost as causalities of war. To him, the sacrifice they made should always remain at the forefront of our country’s mind.

“Is it all talk or do we really take time to appreciate those who serve or have served?” Hoffman asked the crowd. “I’m proud to be a firefighter, but I’m especially proud to be a veteran.”

The event also included a special moment dedicated to a local fallen soldier. After the Bethel Mill Prep school students recited the Preamble of the Constitution, John Hartley read an essay written by Capt. Ryan Iannelli, who was killed in military operations in Afghanistan in September, back when the Marine was a senior at Kingsway Regional High School. Iannelli wrote about his love for America and those in the armed forces, saying that, “This great country offered me anything I could ever need.”

Bethel Mill Prep students then led the crowd in a rendition of God Bless America, and Chaplain Thomas Murphy from VFW 6332 said the closing prayer.

The number of people that fill the park each year has grown, said resident Theresa Carlson.

“More and more people come out,” she said.

She brought her sons to the event to make sure they’re keenly aware of the dedication and service veterans have given to the country.

“Days go by and we don’t think of our freedom and who is to thank for it,” Carlson said. “I really want them to realize the importance of the day.”

Jack Kelleher, a Vietnam veteran and commander of the VFW, choked up as he thought of the spirit of the event.

“It’s just so great to see the patriotism,” he said. He echoed Carlson’s observations about the significant increase in attendance at the annual event.

“It’s good to see as many people, compared to what it used to be,” Kelleher said.

Lawrence Silverman, a fellow Vietnam War veteran, saw it as an event that should be embraced this way nationwide.

“It means everything to the country today,” Silverman said. “If it wasn’t for the vets, we wouldn’t have the country we have now.”